Preview of the monthly initiative to fill vacant buildings begins during ‘First Friday’ in Downtown Albuquerque.

September 7, 2018

This Friday, September 7, Mayor Tim Keller is launching “One Albuquerque: Engage,” a monthly initiative to fill vacant buildings and promote public safety. The initiative encourages new businesses to move in, while filling vacant buildings with temporary, pop-up style attractions, and providing resources and support to local vendors utilizing the spaces. The pop-ups will occur in downtown on the first Friday of each month through the end of the year.

Focused initially from 1st to 7th Streets on Central and Gold Avenues, the city will partner with local building owners to enter into short term leases of vacant spaces at a discount rate and fill them with a variety of arts, performance, and shopping experiences provided by local artisans. The first location will be 505 Central Ave., next to Humble Coffee and will feature a “Plant-Powered” pop-up market.

“We’re taking back Albuquerque by helping to bring life into the vacant buildings in our communities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “With this creative initiative, we can add experiences to different areas of our city while creating a safer, more vibrant place for people to hang out and for businesses to get their start.”

"This pop-up is filling our vacant suite and really adding to the activity on our ground floor next to Humble Coffee,” said Mark Baker, owner of 505 Central and Principal with Baker Architecture + Design. “It's an exciting time to be downtown and see Central, old Route 66, come back to life with a new generation."

Local vendors will also be able to sign up for a pop-up business license with the City of Albuquerque during events in October, November, and December. The pop-up business license will be free and valid for the rest of the year and will be approved through the city’s Economic Development Department. This will make it easier for small businesses to get started without waiting for the variety of approvals that a long-term business registration currently requires.

One Albuquerque: Engage supports existing programming that occurs on “First Fridays” by partnering with organizations like Two Way Street, ABQ ARTWalk, Downtown Mainstreet, Enchanted Pop Up and Mariposa Music. Two Way Street and Mariposa Music previously organized and produced “Bricklight Nights,” a weekly community-led pop-up event in the University area. Support from the City of Albuquerque has allowed this programming to grow to Downtown.